[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 18, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TOURETTE SYNDROME OUTREACH AND RESEARCH

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I applaud Congress for including 
$1.8 million for Tourette Syndrome research in H.R. 3010, the 
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2006.
  Tourette Syndrome is an inherited neurobiological disorder that 
manifests itself in rapid, repeated, and involuntary movements and 
sounds. The disorder affects approximately 200,000 adults and children 
across America. While there is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, some 
individuals benefit from education and other clinical treatment.
  To further develop educational outreach and research programs, 
Congress established the Tourette Syndrome Education and Research 
Program within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2000. 
Today, this program provides education about Tourette Syndrome for the 
public, physicians, allied healthcare workers and teachers. 
Additionally, the program's intensive training initiatives aim to 
increase recognition and diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome and to decrease 
the associated stigma.
  Over the past 2 years, the Tourette Syndrome Association, the only 
national nonprofit membership organization dedicated to finding the 
cause, finding a cure, and controlling the effects of Tourette 
Syndrome, has acted in partnership with the CDC to expand educational 
outreach. In its first year working with the CDC, the Tourette Syndrome 
Association offered 25 expert medical education programs, as well as 
five major education allied professional programs. In 2006, the 
association plans to expand upon these efforts and to offer training 
for neurologists in both English and Spanish.
  Mr. President, I encourage the CDC to continue its partnership with 
the Tourette Syndrome Association as the agency plans its research and 
education strategy for fiscal year 2006. By building and expanding on 
past collaborative efforts, the CDC and the Tourette Syndrome 
Association can bring hope to families affected by the 
disorder.

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